The Aviation Advisory Committee is one forum for voicing opinions and concerns. The committee typically meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Director of Airports Office at 550 Sally Ride Drive in Concord, CA. Meetings are open to the general public and include a public comment period. You may also email your concern to Airports staff or submit a comment by completing an Airports Feedback Form, which may be found on the Noise Management Page.

No. In 2006, the Board of Supervisors discussed whether Contra Costa County should consider closing Buchanan Field and repurpose the land for commercial and residential development. After a thorough review of the economic and community benefits associated with Buchanan Field, the Board of Supervisors affirmed that the Airport is too valuable a resource to lose. A recent article written by Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor, reaffirms the Board’s commitment to the continued development and success of Buchanan Field, which is a key piece to the Bay Area’s transportation infrastructure.Following World War II, Buchanan Field was deeded by the federal government to Contra Costa County with the condition that it would operate as a public airport in perpetuity. Federal Aviation Administration grant assurances associated with airport improvement project funds also obligate the County to continue operating the Airport.

Buchanan Field is one of only a few airports in California to have adopted a noise ordinance which limits operating hours for flight training and touch and go operations. The Airport prohibits airplanes that exceed 78 dBA (older, stage 2 noise rating aircraft). Airports staff maintains regular communication with pilots based at Buchanan Field regarding Noise Management Program and aircraft specific noise abatement procedures, and encourages its pilots to avoid flying over neighboring communities whenever possible. The Aviation Advisory Committee (AAC) provides the public a forum for which to voice opinions and concerns on airport matters. A monthly noise statistics report is provided to the AAC by Airports staff. Please visit the AAC webpage under Airports Administration on this website for more information.

Once an aircraft has left the ground, it is in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) jurisdiction. For the safety of both pilots and the community, only the FAA can direct an aircraft to change altitude or flight path and use certain runways. This direction is often based on wind and weather conditions that may vary throughout the day. While Airports staff cannot direct a plane to change direction, communication with pilots regarding community concerns is ongoing. If you notice an aircraft flying objectionably low or loud, we value your feedback. You may submit an Airport Feedback Form, which can be found on the Community Resources: Noise Management page.

Buchanan Field is a 24 hour facility, so there is no curfew for arrivals or departures. However, flight training and touch-and-go operations are limited to the Air Traffic Control Tower’s operating hours, which are 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The curfew for airplanes exceeding 75 dBA (compare to the sound of a freeway, 50 feet from curb) is 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Aviation activity varies depending on weather and economic factors and typically increases in spring and summer months. Buchanan Field averages approximately 100,000 operations (take-off or landings) per year. The peak use of Buchanan Field in the last 30 years was in 1990, when the Airport had over 300,000 operations, and was home to a commercial airline and a helicopter flight training school. Annual operations decreased during the recent recession—hitting a 25 year low in 2012—but have rebounded with the economy in 2013 and 2014. For a graph of operations by year, please click on the Buchanan Field Annual Operations Link found on the Buchanan Field (CCR) page of this website.

Airports staff is working on a series of planned informational videos to inform the general public about the benefits provided by Buchanan Field and Byron Airports and encourage pilots and prospective tenants to consider basing their aircraft at the Airports. The first video, Touch Down in the Bay Area (LINK), was completed in late 2014. The second video, Learning to Fly, is currently in production and will focus on the process of earning a pilot’s license, and the various services and programs based at Contra Costa County Airports that make that goal easier to attain.Airports staff is also constantly improving the website to improve usability and functionality, including news and event features that users may subscribe to and remain apprised of current issues and events at the Airports.Airports staff has convened the Economic Development Incentive Program, a working group of the Airports’ stakeholders, to help prioritize projects and programs that will best market the Buchanan Field and Byron Airport.

Once an aircraft has left the ground, it is in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) jurisdiction. Pilots that are flying low may be reported directly to the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) by calling (510) 748-0122. You may also notify Airports staff by submitting an Airports Feedback Form. Airports staff fielded several calls in late 2014 and early 2015 regarding aerobatic maneuvers being performed east of the City of Brentwood and south of the City of Antioch. Airports staff responded by sending out notices to all of its tenants at Buchanan Field and Byron Airports requesting that pilots not perform aerobatic operations near residential developments. An outreach was also done to other Bay Area airports to provide the notice to their tenants. Since that time, the number of complaints regarding the issue has decreased.

Yes. Buchanan Field has convenient access to I-680 and Highway 4; both of which are major freeways in the Bay Area. If you plan to fly to Buchanan Field, car rentals are available on the east side of Buchanan Field. If you plan to stay at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, located on Airport property, the hotel provides a free shuttle to the BART train and other major transportation centers. A County Connection bus line also runs adjacent to the west and east entrances to Buchanan Field.

Yes. Typically, tours consist of 5-20 children and a maximum of one chaperon per three children. To schedule a tour, please visit our Airport Tour Program page under Community Resources and click on “Schedule a Tour” to fill out the application form.

The Public Viewing Plaza is located at the end of John Glenn Drive in Concord and is available on a first come, first serve basis. It is not currently available to reserve for exclusive gatherings. The Plaza has three shaded picnic tables, several small play structures and a painted runway map for children. Live FAA communications with pilots are also broadcast via loud speaker for an exciting viewing experience. Note: If you plan to hold a gathering at the Public Viewing Plaza, please refrain from bringing balloons or other things that might cause problems for aircraft operating at the Airport.

Yes. ePay was made available in 2014, which allows hangar and tie-down tenants to pay their invoices online using a bank account or credit card. A link to ePay is available on the Pilot Information page of this website.

Buchanan Field has 100 Low Lead fuel as well as Jet A fuel available. For fueling options, please contact one of Buchanan Field’s Fixed Based Operators by visiting the "Airport Businesses" link on the Buchanan Field (CCR) page of this website.Byron Airport has 100 Low Lead fuel available at a self-service station, located south of the administrative building.

For information on development, please visit “Doing Business with the Airport” on the Airports Administration page of this website. Due to government contracting processes and prevailing wage requirements, the total development cost is approximately 30% higher for the County Airports to develop hangar space. The resultant rent to cover the development costs would be considerably higher than the market rate. The County Airports has focused on public/private partnerships as an alternative, to bring hangar space about more economically. Airports staff is also exploring costs and feasibility of other options for providing lower cost hangar space.

There are separate rules for recreational, public entity or business uses of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website pertaining to UAS policies is available at www.faa.gov/uas/. The "Know Before You Fly" campaign is another informational resource; available at www.knowbeforeyoufly.org.

General Information: (925) 608-8400 or (510) 942-4530Call with questions or concerns about injured or stray animals, lost and found pets, animal cruelty concerns, policy and procedure questions, or questions about animal laws.

If you are unable to care for your pets due to foreclosure difficulties, you have the option to surrender them to Animal Services. Call us at 925-608-8400 for more information. You might also visit the Resources page of the

Spay/Neuter Clinic (Martinez Shelter only)Phone hours: Tuesday - Friday9 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 4 pm925-335-8320NOTE: Spay/neuter surgeries are by appointment only; pets scheduled for surgery must be at the Spay/Neuter Clinic between 7:30 am and 8 am on the morning of surgery.

Yes, your dog must be on a leash and under your control unless s/he is on your property, the property of a consenting adult, or on property such as a dog park where the off-leash conditions are designated by appropriate signage or regulation(s). Contra Costa County enforces a "leash law," which forbids dogs from being at large or "loose" (with certain exemptions). See County Code Animal Ordinance, Division 416-4.402

Call Animal Services at (925) 608-8400 for advice about wildlife that you think might be injured. Also, Lindsay Wildlife Museum is a local organization which operates an on-site wildlife hospital in Walnut Creek, CA. Call (925) 935-1978 for more information or visit their

Animal Services is unable to respond to wild turkey situations, unless the turkey is injured or creating a public safety hazard. The California Department of Fish and Game may be able to help you. For more information, check the Fish and Game website for advice and suggestions on living with wild turkeys.

In an effort to reduce pet overpopulation, it is our policy that all of our animals are altered (spayed or neutered) as a condition of adoption. We microchip all animals to help ensure the safe return of a lost pet.

Animal Services does not pick up dead birds or squirrels. If you want to report a dead bird or squirrel for possible West Nile Virus contamination, call 1-877-968-2473 or visit the State website at WestNile.ca.gov.

If you find a dead or injured skunk, or believe a skunk has had contact with people or pets, DON'T HANDLE IT or try to trap it. Call Animal Services at 925-608-8400 for assistance. For helpful information on living safely with skunks or to request a skunk inspection, call the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District at 925-685-9301, ext. 190, or visit their

A list of properties to be offered for sale is available from the Office of the Treasurer Tax Collector around the middle of January. Remember--because property owners have the right to redeem their property prior to the sale, the final list of parcels to be offered for sale will not be available until the day of the sale.

Auction list sales are final. Updated information on properties that remain in the sale is available at the Tax Collector's office.

Vacant ("unimproved") land (which accounts for most property offered at our tax sales) usually has no address and therefore its approximate geographic location can be determined through the use of County Assessor platt maps. Exact boundary lines of a property can be determined only by a survey of the property initiated at the purchaser's expense. "Improved" properties frequently (but not always) will bear a "situs" (street) address, making it quite simple to assess the location. A "situs" (street) address does not mean there are improvements on the property or that the improvements are included in the sale.

Yes. State law dictates that the event of a tax sale must be published three times in successive seven day intervals before the tax sale date in a newspaper, or newspapers of general circulation within Contra Costa County. All parcels in the next tax sale will be advertised in various local newspapers, the first publication date being not less than 21 days prior to the date of the sale.

Please review the Registration Information handout available in our office or on our web site, www.cctax.us, for additional information and requirements and application deadlines. A wire, certified check or money order for $5,035 must be submitted to Bid4Assets.com. A completed Bidder Registration form must also be submitted at the same time. Registration can only be done online or by contacting Bid4Assests Customer Service at 1-877-427-7387. All unused deposits will be refunded by Bid4Assets within seven to ten business days after the sale.

The sale of these properties should not, in any way, be equated to real estate sales by licensed salespeople, brokers or realtors. The Treasurer-Tax Collector cannot guarantee the condition of the property nor assume any responsibility for conformance to codes, permits or zoning ordinances.

The burden is on the purchaser to thoroughly research, before the sale, any matters relevant to his or her decision to purchase, rather than on the county, whose sole interest is the recovery of back taxes.

It is also recommended that bidders consult with the zoning and planning departments of any city within which a particular parcel lies.

State law dictates that the minimum bid for property offered at a public auction tax sale be an amount not less than the total amount necessary to redeem the tax default, plus cost. Except pursuant to Section 3698.5(c) of the California Revenue and Taxation Code, when property interests have been offered at a previous sale and no acceptable bids were received, the Tax Collector may offer that property or property interest at a minimum bid that is less than the amount of the tax default, plus cost.

The right of redemption on a tax-defaulted parcel subject to the Tax Collector's power to sell ceases at the close of business on the last business day prior to the date of sale. There is no extended right of redemption in the State of California as does exist in some others states.

There is a one year period of time, after the date the tax deed is executed that a proceeding based on alleged invalidity or irregularity can be commenced, pursuant to Section 3725 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code.

If no acceptable bids are received for a property, it may be offered again at a future Tax Sale. Legal title to tax-defaulted property subject to power of sale can be obtained through the Treasurer - Tax Collector only by being the successful bidder at the tax sale. Additionally, pursuant to Section 3698.5(c) of said code, the Tax Collector may re-offer the property at any time for a minimum bid that is set at the discretion of the Tax Collector and approved by the County Board of Supervisors.

Payment in full by wire transfer, money order or cashier’s check (made payable to Bid4Assets), will be required within 3 business days of the close of the auction. No business checks, personal checks or credit cards will be accepted. Payments in excess of the purchase price will be refunded by mail within 30 days.

Purchasers of property at the tax sale must also pay a Documentary Transfer Tax on the amount of the bid. The tax is based on the rate of $.55 for each $500 or fractional part of each $500 when the bid exceeds $100.

Purchasers of property within the city of Richmond must also pay a City Transfer Tax in addition to the Documentary Transfer Tax. The rate for this city tax is $7 per $1,000 of the purchase price.

Chapter 7, Section 3712 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code states: “The deed conveys title to the purchaser free of all encumbrances of any kind existing before the sale, except:

(a) Any lien for installments of taxes and special assessments, which installments will become payable upon the secured roll after the time of sale.

(b) The lien for taxes or assessments or other rights of any taxing agency which does not consent to the sale under this chapter.

(c) Liens for special assessments levied upon the property conveyed which were, at the time of the sale under this chapter, not included in the amount necessary to redeem the tax-defaulted property, and, where a taxing agency which collects its own taxes has consented to the sale under this chapter, not included in the amount required to redeem from sale to the taxing agency.

(d) Easements constituting servitude upon or burdens to the property; water rights, the record title to which is held separately from the title to the property; and restrictions of record.

(e) Unaccepted, recorded, irrevocable offers of dedication of the property to the public or a public entity for a public purpose, and recorded options of any taxing agency to purchase the property or any interest therein for a public purpose.

(f) Unpaid assessments under the Improvement Bond Act of 1915 (Division 10 [commencing with Section 8500] of the Streets and Highways Code) which are not satisfied as a result of the sale proceeds being applied pursuant to Chapter 1.3 (commencing with Section 4671) Part 8.

(g) Any federal Internal Revenue Service liens which, pursuant to provisions of federal law, are not discharged by the sale, even though the tax collector has provided proper notice to the Internal Revenue Service before that date.”

(h) Unpaid special taxes under the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 (Chapter 2.5 [commencing with Section 53311] of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code) that are not satisfied as a result of the sale proceeds being applied pursuant to Chapter 1.3 (commencing with Section 4671) of Part 8.”

Note: A title search initiated at the prospective purchaser(s)’ expense should reveal any liens or encumbrances on a property in the tax sale.

Consult the zoning and planning departments of any city within which a property lies or the County’s Building Inspection Department for property in unincorporated areas regarding use of the parcel. The County Recorder’s records should be consulted for any recorded easements on a property.

Title is vested in the name of the actual purchaser at the sale. If title is to be vested differently, we require a notarized letter from the individual you are acting as an agent for, stating the manner in which title is to be vested.

YES! Should the successful purchaser desire a survey of the property, it will be at the purchaser's own initiative and expense. No warranty is made by the County, either expressed or implied, relative to the usability, the ground location, or property lines of the properties. The exact location, desirability, and usefulness of the properties must be determined by the prospective purchaser.

The County assumes no liability for any other possible liens, encumbrances or easements, recorded or not recorded. When property is sold at tax sale on which the IRS holds a tax lien, the United States has the right of redemption for 120 days from the date of such sale (26 USC Sec. 3712(g) and 7425(d)). The IRS will pay the actual amount paid for the property by the bidder, plus interest at 6% per annum from the date of sale, plus the expenses of sale that exceed any income received from the property.

Your request must be in writing, either on a withdraw form (from the Assessor) or via letter or email to the Assessment Appeals Clerk; you may contact the Clerk via email or phone to confirm receipt. After the Board meets to review your request, you will receive a written Notice approving your withdrawal.

All appeals hearings are scheduled for Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. You will be sent a written Notice approximately 45 days prior to the hearing. If that date does not work for you, send a written request to the Assessment Appeals Clerk to postpone the hearing to another date.

The hearing only provides you an opportunity for an unbiased Board to hear the facts from the Assessor’s Office and from you. The Board will make an independent ruling based on the facts presented by both sides.

Yes, you must return the Notice indicating your intent to appear. If you do not return the Notice, then your hearing will automatically be cancelled. However, you should continue to work closely with the Assessor’s Office to resolve the dispute.

You may call the Assessor’s Office for an value revision under Proposition 8 . You may also file a formal assessment appeal ($40 application fee) to get on the calendar for a formal hearing. Proposition 8 (925-313-7400)

If you believe your property value has declined, you may the Assessor’s Office for an informal value revision (925-313-7400). You may also wish to review the various other items on your property tax bill to see if you qualify for any exemptions (elderly, disabled). Tax Collector’s website

Proposition 8 provides that your taxable value does not exceed the current market value of the property. Once a value is temporarily reduced under Proposition 8, it is reviewed annually and adjusted, according to the market value. Once the market value exceeds the adjusted base value, it will be restored.

State law requires the Assessor to reappraise property as of the date of the change-in-ownership or completion of new construction. The Assessor's Office must issue a supplemental assessment which reflects the difference between the prior assessed value and the new assessment. This value is then prorated based on the number of months remaining in the fiscal year ending June 30. This supplemental is in addition to the regular tax bill.

Copies of all building permits are sent to the Assessor's Office by the cities and County. If the construction is new (such as a room addition), a reappraisal is required. If the construction is for replacement, repair, or maintenance, a reappraisal may not be required. In appraising new construction, the market value of the addition is determined and added to the value of the existing property. The existing property, however, is not reappraised. As with a change-in-ownership, the owner is notified of the new assessment and can appeal the value.

The property tax reimbursement or postponement programs once available to senior citizens and to persons who are blind, disabled, or who have difficulty paying property taxes have been eliminated.

Property Tax Reimbursement

The Franchise Tax Board's Homeowner Assistance program provided property tax relief to persons who were blind, disabled, or at least 62 years old, and met certain minimum annual income thresholds. However, the state budget deleted funding for this Program that once provided cash reimbursement of a portion of the property taxes that you paid on your home. For more information, call the Franchise Tax Board at 1-800-852-5711.

Property Tax Postponement

The State Controller's Property Tax Postponement program allowed persons who are blind, disabled, or at least 62 years old, and meet certain minimum annual income thresholds to postpone their property taxes. However, the state budget eliminated the Property Tax Postponement Program. For more information, call the State Controller's Office at 1-800-952-5661 or 916-327-5587.

Many taxpayers in the construction industry are unaware that under Section 75.12 of the Revenue and Taxation Code they can be legally exempted from payment of supplemental tax bills resulting from the completion of new construction, simply by requesting a "Builder's Exclusion."

Effective January 1, 2006, developers of single-family subdivisions of five lots or more are granted an automatic builder’s exclusion upon recording the subdivision map. To be granted the Builder’s Exclusion on fewer than five single-family lots or on other types of property, you must submit a letter requesting the exclusion prior to or within 30 days of the start of new construction on land development and/or improvements. The parcels for which you are requesting an exclusion must be intended for resale, and for no other purpose than that incidental to resale, such as a model home. In short, this means that builders should submit a request for an exclusion as soon as they buy raw land intended for development.

Recommendations: Apply for the exclusion as soon as the land is purchased. Apply for the whole tract. If builder's exclusion is granted on the parent parcel and the parcel splits there is no need to reapply. Builders should be aware that after the exclusion is granted they are still responsible for payment of supplemental tax bills based upon the purchase of land for development, and for payment of annual secured tax bills based on the value of land and new construction complete or incomplete on January 1 of each year. Builders owning parcels protected by a builder's Exclusion are also cautioned that should they begin using these parcels for a purpose other than resale, such as rentals, they are required to notify the Assessor's Office of this fact within 45 days after such non-resale use begins.

Proposition 60 was passed by the voters in 1986 allowing those 55 and over to transfer the assessed value of their principal residence to a replacement residence in the same county if the value of the new residence is equal to or less than that of the original residence when sold. A claim form must be timely filed with the Assessor's Office to qualify. Contra Costa County does not accept transfers from other counties. For additional information regarding this exclusion, see R and T code 69.5 or contact our office at (925) 313-7400

The California Land Conservation Act of 1965, commonly referred to as the Williamson Act, is a tax relief measure for owners of land. The act permits a landowner to sign a contract with the County or City guaranteeing that the land will be preserved for a period of at least 10 years. In return for this guarantee, the Assessor annually values land and growing improvements in the Act using a restricted income approach rather than the market value. The owner will get the benefit of being taxed on the lower of the total base year value, current market value, or restricted (AG Preserve) value. Generally, this means the taxes for the farmer are reduced, sometimes greatly. You must apply to the County Planning Department by October 15 to receive Williamson Act benefits for the following tax year if you wish to place your farm property into the AG Preserve. The Assessor's Office may require you to report data pertaining to your agriculture parcels via an annual AG Preserve Questionnaire.

Under State law (Proposition 13), real property is reappraised only when a change-in-ownership occurs, or upon completion of new construction. Except for these two instances, property assessments cannot be increased by more than 2% annually, based on the California Consumer Price Index. The property tax rate is 1% plus any voter approved bonds, fees, or special charges.

When a sale or transfer occurs, the Assessor's Office receives a copy of the deed and determines if a reappraisal is required under State law. If it is required, an appraisal is made to determine the new market value of the property. The owner is then notified of the new assessment and has the right to appeal the value.

The transfer of property between husband and wife does not require a reappraisal for property tax purposes. This includes transfers resulting from divorce or death. In addition, a refinancing will not cause a reappraisal.

Newly purchased mobile homes, and those on permanent foundations, are subject to property taxes. As with real property, the assessed value of mobile homes cannot be increased by more than 2% annually unless there is a change in-ownership or new construction. Older mobile homes bought before June 30, 1980 generally are not subject to property taxes. They are licensed under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Housing and Community Development.

As a result of recent State legislation, the purchase of a mobile home park by the residents will not cause a reassessment. Property taxes will remain at their current level and be prorated among the spaces.

Under State law, if the January 1 market value of your property falls below the assessed or taxable value as shown on the tax bill issued in the same year (i.e., January 1, 2009 and tax bill fiscal year 2009/10 issued September 2009), the Assessor's Office is required to lower the assessment. This type of property tax relief generally applies to recently purchased property. Appeals may be filed between July 2 and November 30 for the annual roll. For supplemental events, or escaped assessments, the appeal must be filed within 60 day of the mailing date of the notice. Appeal forms can be obtained and must be filed with the Clerk of the Board. For more information, call (925) 335-1901.

The lien date is the day that the taxes become a debt on the property and/or owners, even though the valuation and tax bills have not yet been computed and mailed. The tax lien date is January 1. (R&T Code 2192)

Proposition 13, passed by the voters in June 1978, established 1975 as the original base year value and requires that the base value of a property be established as of the date of change of ownership, or as of the date of completion of new construction. If you and your neighbor purchased your properties in different years or have different construction dates, your base values reflect different market values.

The taxes are calculated by the Auditor-Controller. Property tax rates vary by area. In Contra Costa County the tax rates average approximately 1.1% of the property's taxable value. For instance, if the taxable value is $10,000, the property taxes could be about $110. Contact the Auditor-Controller at(925) 646-2236 or Auditor-Controller

Building Permits are required before you erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building or structure. See Section 106.2 of the California Building Code for further exemptions. The link below provides a summary of the exemptions.

Exemption from the permit requirements shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of any County code or ordinance.

There are several types of permits that can be issued by fax or mail:• Re-roof permits • Electrical upgrades • Water heater replacements • HVAC replacements (heating and/or air conditioning unit replacement)

That depends on the scope of the work. Permits that can be issued by fax or mail are generally issued on the same day.

Some projects require approval either by the County Planning Division or City Planning Department and other agencies before the Building Inspection Division can proceed with the plan review. Then depending on the scope of the project, it may take anywhere from one day to several weeks depending on the amount of structural and non-structural review required.

Minor projects that are usually issued either that day or the next day are:

• Changes in building use or occupancy • Major additions (greater than 50 percent of the existing structure) • Major structural work (seismic upgrades, major repairs, etc.) • Major tenant improvements • New residences in subdivisions with established master plans • Compliance with Title 24 energy documentation requirements

To request a Records Research, please download the form or call (925) 674-7213 to request the form. The completed form can be faxed in to (925) 674-7244. All plans must have permission from the owner and any licensed professional before they may be reproduced. Download Records Research Request

The annual cost to do business in the unincorporated area of the County is $100 plus $10 per employee. New businesses shall have fees pro-rated from the beginning of the quarter in which the business is established.

Your license is current for the license year in which you obtain it and must be renewed each July 1 as long as you are in business. A 25% penalty charge and 18% per annum interest rate are imposed if license tax is not paid on time.

The Business License is evidence only that your tax has been paid. Other permits may be required to open your business.

Every business must at least meet zoning and building requirements to ensure that its business category and site are compatible before signing any leases and moving in. Check with the County Zoning/Planning Department to make sure you locate your business at an address where it is allowed and that it does not heavily impact the neighborhood or require special parking consideration.

Also, if your business name is anything other than your surname or has more than one owner -- a partnership, association, or company -- you may need to file a fictitious business name with the County Clerk's Office, (925) 335-7900. Should you accidentally "infringe" upon another business, you may face legal action and will have to pay to re-file your Business License -- and that gets expensive. So, it is a good idea to do this before you apply for the Business License.

A copy of the fictitious name certification is required with your business license application.

County’s Business License Ordinance may grant an exemption to a business based on its type (i.e., agriculture or non-profit). An application for exemption statement must be filed annually with the Tax Collector. Depending on the type of exemption you are applying for you must submit with your statement a proof of exempt status such as State or Federal certification or other documents if any. If you are mailing your application or stopping at our office, you must include a copy of your proof. Failure to submit proof may cause us to deny or delay processing of your application.

Any person licensed as a contractor by the State Contractor's Board must obtain a Business License if 1) conducting business in the unincorporated areas of the County, whether based in or outside of this area, or 2) if based in the unincorporated area of the County, whether conducting business in or outside this area.

A copy of your current State Contractor’s License is required with your business license application.

References, photographs, fingerprints, documents, proof of insurance and/or special forms may be required in addition to the Business License application, depending on the nature of the business activity to be conducted.

If you own more than one place of business, you do not need a separate license for every branch establishment or separate place of business. The flat fee portion of the business license tax is assessed on one location. The employee fee is assessed for employees at all locations within the unincorporated area.

If your business is transient or temporary, you must still acquire a business license, which is $100 per day. All daily licenses are due in advance by at least the day prior to start of business. Even if you conduct business on a part-time, limited, or hobby-related basis, you are required to obtain a current business license.

Yes. However, it is your responsibility to obtain a renewal license whether or not a renewal notice is received. Penalties are assessed for delinquent accounts, regardless of whether you receive a renewal notice or not. If you do NOT receive a notice by July 1, contact our office at (925) 957-5280, immediately.

The cable television franchise fees collected are used to support County Services, cable administration functions, as well as, provide a government access cable television channel that is aired Countywide.

Local cable TV channels that are made available to the community are referred to as PEG channels. They are Public, Education, and Government access channels. Cable companies sometimes run their own channels and are often described as Local Origination or LO channels.

Sometimes channels or time on LO channels can be "leased." Leased Access is another way local channels are used.

While specific policies differ from community to community, in general, Public Access channels are meant to be available to everyone. You can provide a program for the Access operator to play or, in some communities; you can get training and use equipment to produce your own program. See what is available in your community.

Educational Access channels are usually used by schools to show educational television, telecourses, or information about local schools and resources. Here in Contra Costa County, Educational Access television is provided by the Contra Costa Educational Television Consortium.

Government Access television allows local City and County governments to serve their communities by providing information about local resources, services, and emergencies. Coverage of local City Council and Board of Supervisors meetings, allow the public to see how local government runs and how its elected leaders make decisions.

County staff respond to code enforcement complaints according to the impact of the violation on the community. Situations that appear to pose a serious risk to health and safety as well as disabled access complaints are given high priority. Others are pursued in the order in which they are received.

For most code complaints a Courtesy Letter is sent out informing the property owner that they may have a code violation and to contact the code enforcement officer. For serious health and safety, disabled access and work being done without a permit, a code enforcement officer is sent out to ascertain if a violation exists and to request remediation. This is initiated with a Notice to Comply letter.

A complaint about a possible code violation is made by letter, e-mail, fax or in person. Please be prepared with specific information such as the address of the property, details of the situation and the length of time you have observed the situation. Contact us at (925) 674-7210 or Toll Free at (877) 646-8314. You may submit a complaint online here. You may also submit a complaint form by printing and submitting by fax, mail or drop off to the office.

In many cases the individual responsible for the code violation is given the opportunity to correct the situation and comply with current codes without a penalty. If the correction is not made, the individual may be subject to fines and other penalties.

Once a code enforcement officer makes a site visit and a Notice to Comply letter has been issued, the county ordinance provides that a code enforcement fee shall be charged equal to two times the amount or $250 minimum for building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical permit fees. Zoning violation clearance requires a minimum of a $250 fee. A fee of $100 per trip will be charged until compliance is met. The fees and expenses are additive to the building permit and/or zoning fee.

Contra Costa County Ordinance 720-2.006 states “no one shall maintain weeds exceeding 18 inches in height.” It is not only an eyesore but can promote fire danger. The fire department takes the lead in fire hazard abatements (tall grass) and Code Enforcement the lead in public nuisances (weeds and overgrown brush).

No. Portable canopies located in driveways, though widely popular, are not permitted in Contra Costa County. The two fundamental reasons are wind loads and zoning requirements. Moderate winds have blown these structures down and into roadways presenting unreasonable hazards. To meet the wind load resistance they must be securely affixed to the ground which makes them permanent structure by definition. Zoning requirements prohibit the first 20’ of the front yard from having permanent structures installed prohibiting the canopies.

Converting attached garages into living space is a common practice and can be achieved in many cases. Careful planning must be used to meet numerous requirements. The first obstacle is replacing the parking spaces some where on your property that the original garage provided. The Planning Division will review your plans to ensure the parking spaces are restored and in an appropriate location. The second typical obstacle is meeting the building code requirements. Living space must meet more stringent requirements than a garage. Examples are a moisture barrier for the concrete floor and walls, insulation in the walls and ceiling, heating, electrical upgrades, light and ventilation requirements to name just a few. Normally a homeowner hires an architect to assist in this process to provide cost effective solutions to these and other issues.

Yes. Contra Costa County Ordinance 84-68.1404 allows the storage of boats and recreational vehicles on private property; however 90% of the mass must be screened from public view. Screening may be accomplished by landscaping, fencing, or an intervening building. It is important to note that this rarely can be achieved when the vehicle or vessel is in the front driveway.

In general there are no restrictions for construction working hours within Contra Costa County. Occasionally, as a conditional of approval, the Planning Division may restrict days and times of construction to a permit approval. The Planning Division (925) 674-7205 retains the information about specific sites.

Illegal dumping is a serious problem in the County. Dumping on public land or streets should be reported to the Contra Costa County Sheriffs Department immediately. Do not approach someone dumping illegally, record the license plate number and vehicle information if it can be done safely and immediately report it to the police. Dumping on private land should be reported to Code Enforcement at (925) 674-7210 or Toll Free at (877) 646-8314. File a Complaint Online

Graffiti is a serious problem that creates visual blight and diminishes property values. Graffiti is a crime and should be reported to the Contra Costa County Sheriffs Department. Occasionally, the markings are gang related and promote violence in the area. The quick removal of the graffiti is one of the most effective deterrents of additional “tagging”. Additionally you may contact the following departments; for publicly owned property such as street signs, sidewalks, and freeway underpasses marked with graffiti should be reported to the Public Works department at (925)313-7000. Privately owned property such as the sides of buildings, and fences should be reported to Code Enforcement (925) 674-7210 or Toll Free at (877) 646-8314.

Abandoned vehicles on public streets, highways and private roads should be reported to the Sheriffs Department. Abandoned vehicles on private property should be reported to Code Enforcement (925) 674-7210 or Toll Free at (877) 646-8314. In order for the vehicle to be removed from private property it must be determined inoperable. This means it must move under its own power and generally complete.File a Complaint Online

Registered heritage trees, trees that provide land stability, are of a protected species or size, or provide visual screening/and or privacy are subject to tree removal permits. Each tree removal permit is subject to individual consideration and approved or denied on a case by case basis by the Planning Division. Some factors used to determine tree removal approval include hazardous situations, number of trees on a property, damage to existing structures, and reasonable development. Prior to removing any tree on your property, you are advised to contact the Planning Division at (925) 674-7205 to verify your tree does not require a removal permit.

Storage sheds, tool sheds and play houses that have a foot print of less than 120 square feet do not require a building permit however do have other restrictions. . In the event you bring a utility such as electricity or water to the structure, or enclose mechanical equipment such as a well or pool pump, permits are required. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits are required for a structure that may not require a building permit. Sheds and playhouses are not permitted to be located in the property setbacks. This is a required open space that separates properties around the perimeter of the property. Setback distances vary based on property zoning. The Planning Division (925) 674-7205 will help you determine the set back requirements of your property.

Code Enforcement processes complaints regarding unsecured and abandoned buildings. Contra Costa County Ordinance 720-4 provides the authority and direction to order the proper securing and boarding of dwellings and buildings during temporary periods of vacancy pursuant to a permit, and that dwellings and buildings do not remain vacant and unoccupied for appreciable periods of time. A vacant or abandoned building subject to code enforcement action is defined as a business or residential occupancy that has ceased and whose doors, windows or other openings are broken or missing, so as to allow uncontrolled access to the interior or exposure to the elements. Contact us at (925) 674-7210 or Toll Free at (877) 646-8314.File a Complaint Online

Keeping livestock is only permitted in specifically zoned land. Residential property typically only allows raising or keeping “ordinary household pets.” However because the county was once an agriculturally based community, many pieces of land within residential communities have retained legal non-conformance land use that permits the keeping of live stock. The planning department determines the permitted land use for each property within County jurisdiction. Check with the Planning Division (925) 674-7205 prior to keeping exotic or farm animals. Report exotic or farm animals in residential areas to Code Enforcement (925) 674-7210.

Yes. The Building Inspection Division considers damaged or missing fencing used as pools barriers a serious and potentially life threatening situation. Pool fence barriers are proven to save lives and are required by law. They must be maintained in compliance at all times including periods of construction. If you encounter any unfenced pool contact Code Enforcement immediately.

Contra Costa County abatement procedures require the property owner be held responsible for any violations that exist on their property. All correspondence is directed to the property owner as well as known tenants. All fines or penalties are levied against the property and are recorded on the tax role. Tenant generated violations are difficult because the property owner often does not have immediate access to correct the problem. It is therefore strongly advised that a landlord closely and regularly monitor their properties for changes and violations.

Yes. Everyone is entitled to live in a safe and healthy building. It is strongly recommended that the landlord be notified immediately and given the opportunity to repair the problem prior to contacting Code Enforcement. In the event the landlord does not take action, reporting substandard building conditions to Code Enforcement will get the ball rolling to get these conditions corrected. Fear of repercussions is a commonly heard for not reporting substandard conditions in rentals. Complainants anonymity are protected by law. Names and personal information will not be released. Contact us at (925) 674-7210 or Toll Free at (877) 646-8314.

No. The County Counsel provides legal advice to the Board of Supervisors, elected officials, and County employees for matters related to the operation and management of the County government. The County Counsel and other attorneys in the office cannot provide legal advice to members of the public.

If you need a lawyer and do not have one, you can call the Lawyer Referral and Information Service, operated by the Contra Costa Bar Association, at (925) 825-5700. Click here for more information.

Claims for money are made by submitting a claim to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, located in Room 106 of the County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Martinez, California 94553. Claim forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board. The law regarding claims against public entities is complicated and has relatively short deadlines. You should seek the services of an attorney for your own protection, and you should present your claim without delay. Click here for more information.

Ms. Anderson is the County Counsel, and her name appears on almost all correspondence and case pleadings. However, the person most familiar with your matter is the person who signed the document. His or her name appears in court documents below Ms. Anderson's name at the top of the first page, and again on the signature line on the last page. If you need to speak to someone in the County Counsel's Office, you should contact that person, whose telephone number is usually listed.

All claims, summons and complaints against the County or a County department must be "served" (delivered) to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, the agent authorized to accept service on behalf of the County of Contra Costa. No departmental employee should accept service of any claim, complaint or summons on behalf of the County or County agency. The process server will be directed to deliver the papers to the Clerk of the Board in Room 106 of the County Administration Building. This office does not accept service, unless there is a prior agreement to accept service on behalf of a client.

No, the County Surveyor’s Office only performs surveys on County owned land, including County road and flood control channel rights-of-way.

Only a land surveyor or qualified pre-1982 civil engineer licensed in the state of California can provide property line location for a private survey in this state. Contact information for these professionals can be found in a telephone directory, by searching the Internet, or by contacting engineering and land surveying societies (see Resources, P. 21 of the Consumer Guide to Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors or California Land Surveyors Association, Find a Surveyor). The California State Board website is another source of information for researching licensed engineers or land surveyors in your city or county where you can verify that the professional is currently and properly licensed and find out if there have been any complaints or disciplinary actions taken against the person’s license.

When interviewing land surveyors ask for local references on similar projects and compare qualifications and experience. Also, ask if they have previous experience working with your local planning department, public works department, municipal utility district, or County Surveyor’s Office. For your protection, the State Board insists that a formal contract is made between professional and client.

Yes, Tract Maps (also known as Subdivision Maps), Parcel Maps, Records of Survey and Corner Records are now available for viewing and download at no cost through the Public Works Website here; click on the “Weblink” link on that website. Instructions for locating these records are at this site.

No. If your property is a lot in a subdivision we can provide a copy of the recorded subdivision map which will show easements created by that map and other easements affecting the property at that time; however, there is no reason to assume that other easements have not been created since. A title company guarantee policy is the best source of disclosing things such as easements affecting a particular property.

The Public Works Record Counter is open 7:00am to 5:00 pm from Monday through Thursday and on Fridays from 7:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. You may contact our public counter staff at (925) 313-2000, and they can direct you to the Engineering Records staff. The public counter is located in the Public Works Offices at 255 Glacier Drive in Martinez.

For tract numbers for the entire county, and parcel map numbers for the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa, contact the Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) (925) 674-7722. For parcel maps in other cities, obtain the number from the city.

The Courts are no longer part of the county government, but you can find out a great deal of court information by visiting their website. If you need information that you cannot find online, you can reach them by phone at 925-608-1000.

The County's online permit center is managed by the Department of Conservation and Development. Find them online at http://www.contracosta.ca.gov/4474/Application-and-Permit-Center. You can also call them at 925-674-7200. Permit Center

Each County department is responsible for implementing contracts in their department and the Affirmative Action Office implements and monitors the contracting programs in the County. Contact the SBE and Outreach Liaisons.

Yes! The Outreach Program is for contracts greater than $50,000 for purchasing and professional/personal services and also for construction contracts exceeding $100,000. For details, visit Outreach Contracting Programs.

Yes, the County offers an e-Outreach Program managed by the Purchasing Services Division of the Public Works Department. The program provides electronic bidding opportunities for contracts exceeding $10,000. To learn more visit the Purchasing Services page Business Opportunity Programs.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employees may request reasonable accommodations by contacting their supervisor and department ADA Coordinator. Or, employees may contact the Risk Management ADA Coordinator at (925) 335-1436 or 335-1406.

Contra Costa observes all accessibility and ADA laws. To learn more about specific services, programs and activities, call the Affirmative Action office at (925) 335-1754 or refer to the ADA Transition Plan.

You must provide your information by completing the online vendor registration process. Instructions are availiable on the Purchasing page or by contacting Purchasing Services at (925) 313-2120. Providing your information will allow the County to contact you when an opportunity is available Vendor Registration Page.

Legislation was passed in 1986 excluding from reassessment transfers between parents and children of the principal residence and $1 million assessed value of other property. A claim form must be timely filed with the Assessor's Office to qualify. Some grandparent/grandchildren transfers may be excluded also. For additional information regarding this exclusion, contact our office at (925) 313-7400.

A change in ownership may result in an increase to your property taxes. If a transfer is between parent and child or between spouses, it may be excluded from reappraisal in certain circumstances. If you have any questions, please call (925) 313-7400.

Property used exclusively for religious worship, colleges, cemeteries, museums, schools, or libraries may qualify for an exemption from property taxes. Properties owned and used exclusively by a nonprofit religious, charitable, scientific, or Hospital Corporation are also eligible for an exemption. For more information call (925) 313-7481.

A veteran who is rated 100% disabled, blind, or a paraplegic due to a service-connected disability incurred while in the armed forces (or the unmarried surviving spouse of such veteran) may be eligible for an exemption of up to $150,000 off the assessed value of their home. An application must be filed with the Assessor's Office to determine eligibility for this program. For more information, call (925) 313-7481.

If you own and occupy your principal place of residence on January 1, you may apply for a Homeowner's Exemption that would exempt $7,000 of your home's assessed value from taxation. This would result in a savings of approximately $70 per year on your property tax bill.

If you own and occupy your home as your principal place of residence on January 1, you may apply for an exemption of $7,000 off your assessed value for an annual savings of approximately $70 on your property taxes. New property owners will automatically receive an exemption application. The exemption remains in effect until terminated or there is a change in title to the property. A homeowners' exemption may also apply to a supplemental assessment. For more information, call (925) 313-7481.

A single family residence, a duplex, a condominium or planned unit development, A unit of any multi-unit property, a mobile home, a houseboat or floating home that is subject to property tax, a living unit in a commercial or industrial property.

New property owners will usually receive an exemption application enclosed with their notice of supplemental assessment, approximately 90 to 120 days after the deed is recorded. If you acquired the property more than 120 days ago, and have not received an application, please call (925) 313-7481 for an application.

The deadline to file for the full exemption is February 15. A partial exemption is available if filed between February 16 and December 10. You must still meet the own and occupy by January 1st eligibility requirement, even when filing late.

You must return the exemption claim card that is enclosed with your notice of supplemental assessment, within 30 days after the date of the notice, to receive full credit. A partial exemption may be allowed if is returned after 30 days, but before date the first installment of supplemental taxes becomes due.

No. The exemption is allowed if the owner is expected to return. However, according to the State Board of Equalization, an absence of more than one year raises considerable doubt that the owner is expected to return, and in that case the eligibility may be terminated.

The amount of damage must exceed $5,000, and a completed Calamity Claim application must be filed with the Assessor within 60 days of the date of damage. However, if no application has been filed and the Assessor later determines that a property suffered a calamity within the preceding 6 months, then the Assessor must send an application to the last known owner of the property. The owner must then return the completed application to the Assessor within 30 days of the Assessor's notification but in no case may the application be filed later than 6 months after the date of calamity.

Yes, but only to the level they were before the damage occurred, plus the appropriate inflation factor. This is true if the improvements are rebuilt in a like or similar manner, regardless of the actual cost of rebuilding. However, if additional living space or other significant improvements are made in addition to the repair, additional taxes may result.

If the market value of the replacement is within 120 percent of the market value of the property substantially damaged or destroyed, the factored base year value of the damaged or destroyed property will be transferred to the replacement. Ref. California Revenue & Taxation 69(b)(1)

If the market value of the replacement is more than 120 percent of the market value of the property substantially damaged or destroyed, the base year value of the replacement will be the factored base year value of the damaged or destroyed property plus the amount by which the value of the replacement exceeds 120 percent of the value of the property that was damaged or destroyed. Ref. California Revenue & Taxation Code 69(b) (2)

In some cases yes, but only if the county in which the replacement property is located has passed a resolution allowing such transfers and you otherwise qualify. Ref. California Revenue & Taxation Code 69.3.

Contra Costa County only accepts online applications. When viewing a job posting for a currently open examination, you can select the option that says 'Apply'. To see the list of currently open examinations, click here.

You may complete an on-line application at the Contra Costa Human Resources Department at 651 Pine St., 2nd Floor, Martinez, CA 94553. Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. In addition, most college placement offices, job search agencies, career centers, public libraries, and some civic centers have computers and Internet access for their patrons' free use.

There are several Internet Service Providers that offer free email accounts. Hotmail and Yahoo are just two of these. Through them or other companies, you can obtain a free email address that you can use to apply. However, don't forget to check your new e-mail account for correspondence from Contra Costa County.

Open examination -- Any persons qualified for the position may apply for the examination. Applications are typically accepted during a 2 to 4 week filing period. Promotional examination -- Only qualified County employees with permanent status (successfully passed probationary period) may apply for these exams. Continuous file -- Any persons qualified for the position may apply. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and processed on a predetermined schedule and on an as-needed basis.

A represented classification is one that has an agreement between the County and a labor organization governing particular benefits. These agreements are called Memoranda of Understanding. To view these agreements, click here.

Each job announcement lists the Minimum Qualifications and special requirements of the position. Evaluate your experience, education, and training to determine if you meet the requirements and possess the knowledge and abilities outlined for that position. If applicable, review the supplemental questions. If in doubt, submit your completed application packet and the Human Resources Department will determine whether or not you meet the requirements.

Upper division coursework is defined as coursework that is taken at a four-year university towards a Bachelor’s degree (or higher). They are usually your “major” courses defined as “upper division” by the awarding institution.

Each job announcement lists the Minimum Qualifications and special requirements of the position. If the Minimum Qualifications and/or special requirements list a specific type of college coursework, degree, license, certificate, etc, then applicable documentation must be submitted. In order to be qualifying, education must be from a U.S. accredited (or equivalent) institution. Acceptable forms of educational documentation are transcripts (official or unofficial), and/or a copy of your diploma/degree.

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable and but must list the student name, institution name, field of study, and date the degree was awarded. Copies of diplomas should indicate your name, the name of the school, a specific field of study, and date of graduation. If applicable, required documentation should be submitted with each application. Please do not send originals; copies of the required documents are acceptable. No submitted documents will be returned. For recent graduates who have not received proof of their degree yet, a letter from the registrar’s office stating that all requirements for graduation have been met and listing the field of study will be sufficient proof of graduation.

According to Neogov/GovernmentJobs.com, the minimum level of Internet Explorer they support for the on-line application is IE8. However, the drag and drop feature to attach documents to the application is not supported in IE8. You have to browse to locate and upload the attachment. If you are using IE8 you will still be able to log in and complete an application.

You can upload electronic copies of required documents during the on-line application process. You can also submit any additional information to exam@hrd.cccounty.us and request the documentation be attached to your application.

No. You must submit a completed application for each position you are interested in. You may attach a resume and cover letter; however the information on the resume cannot substitute for the completed application. You must also complete and submit any additional information listed on the job announcement. This may include a Supplemental Questionnaire, work samples, or copies of licenses/degrees/transcripts. Resumes will not be considered when determining Minimum Qualifications or test scores.

The applicant does not provide enough detail about their work experience and duties in the Work Experience section on their application. For example, if you are applying for Automotive Mechanic, just writing “10 years as mechanic at XYZ Ford” doesn’t provide enough detail about your duties. Writing “As a mechanic at XYZ Ford dealership, I performed computerized diagnostics, repaired and replaced all components of the drive train, specialized in repairing hybrid vehicles, and did trouble-shooting of difficult electrical problems.” provides enough information to assess your experience to see if it meets the Minimum Qualifications.

Required documents are not attached to the application, such as a transcript, diploma, or typing certificate. If the Job Announcement states you must attach documents to substantiate your education or certifications, your application will be rejected if you don’t.

Minimum Qualifications can change as the job duties and needs change over time. Therefore, it is possible that you could have qualified in the past for a particular exam and not for the current exam administration. In addition, your application is reviewed for these Minimum Qualifications based on what you submit on your current application. We do not refer back to previous applications and exams.

An eligible list is comprised of all the candidates that passed the Contra Costa County exam process. They are placed on the list according to their score and ranking for that particular exam. Individuals are encouraged to be on as many eligible lists as possible to maximize their employment opportunity with the County.

To change your name, address, telephone, SSN, or email address, you will need to complete a Change Request form and return it via email to exam@hrd.cccounty.us. To access a copy of this form, click here.

In accordance with Contra Costa County's Personnel Management Regulations (PMR), 717.3 Waiver of Particular Certifications- An eligible may waive right to certification to any particular position or after certification may waive possible or offered appointment by written or telephone statement to the Director of Human Resources or the appointing authority giving the reason for waiver. After three (3) such waivers of certification or appointment to permanent positions in any class, the eligible's name may be removed from the employment list. Waivers made to an appointing authority must be reported by the appointing authority to the Director of Human Resources."

The first priority of the Neighborhood Preservation Program is to eliminate health and safety code problems in the house. This may include, but is not limited to, roof repair or replacement, new wiring, plumbing or heating. A list of items is prepared by the Housing Inspector and given to you for your review.

Program staff is available for free technical and financial consultation. The administrative person will assist you in filing an application and can advise you on various questions you may have. Once you have filed the application, a housing inspector completes a survey of the home and advises you on the work which should be completed. The housing inspector will then develop a list of items to be corrected and prepare a cost estimate. Assistance is then provided in selecting a qualified contractor to complete the work. Once a contractor is selected, the administrative person completes the loan documents for your signature. Once the loan is made and the work is underway, the housing inspector will provide periodic inspections to ensure that the work is being completed satisfactorily. Contact us at (925) 674-7886.

After the work write-up has been prepared, you must find and select a licensed General Contractor to do the work. Program staff will assist you in this phase. Contractors must meet minimum requirements of the program to assure reliability.

Yes. A portion of the loan can be used for general property improvements. These can include new bathroom and kitchen fixtures, new carpets and linoleum, and paint. However, these general improvements are the last priority, and their total cannot exceed 40% of the total loan amount, up to $20,000.

Payments are based on your income, the amount of the contractor's bid, and your ability to make monthly payments. An estimate of monthly payments can be made after the inspector has estimated the cost of the work. The intent of the program is to provide you with a loan you can afford to repay.

Along with whether you can afford the work, think carefully about whether you are prepared to handle the personal inconvenience that usually goes along with a construction job. The work probably will be messy and will disrupt your everyday routine for a time. Be realistic in deciding if you can handle these pitfalls.

To bid as a contactor you must follow the criteria below:• B class contractor’s license by the State Contractors License Board• Good workmanship, customer friendly• Certified for Home Improvements by the California State Licensing Board• Must meet the program’s insurance requirements• Lead certified – a plus!

Watch out for workers and flaggers. Be patient and considerate of other motorists. Please drive slowly in the work zones and do not drive distracted. On the day of the posted work, please turn off your irrigation system if water runs off your property and onto the street.

The maximum height of a fence is six feet. The maximum height of a retaining wall is three feet. Maximum combination of a fence and retaining wall is six feet total but the wall may not exceed three feet.

If these criteria are met, then the fence and retaining wall may be placed within the required setbacks. Generally, fences and retaining walls that meet these criteria do not require planning approval and permits are not needed.

The Tree Protection and Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 816-6) defines a protected tree. A tree is either protected or not protected based on its characteristics (e.g. trunk size, species) and the characteristics of the property on which it is located.

The Ordinance requires that the property owner obtain a tree permit from the county before trenching, grading or filling within the dripline of any protected tree or before cutting down, destroying, trimming by topping or removal of any protected tree.

A home occupation is a business activity that is conducted at a residential dwelling by a person residing in the dwelling and is a secondary and incidental use of the dwelling as a residence.

No home occupation may be conducted at a residential dwelling unless a home occupation permit or a land use permit has been issued. To determine what type of permit applies, click on the link below.

A home occupation and land use may be obtained at the Department of Conservation and Development, Application and Permit Center on 30 Muir Road Martinez, CA 94553 Tel (925) 674-7200.

Once a permit is obtained, you can get a business license from the Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office-Business License Tax Division on 625 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553. Tel (925) 957-5280 Home Occupations

What type of structures and uses are allowed on individual properties depends on what zoning district the property is located in. If the site is located in the unincorporated area, planning staff can determine the zoning district upon request if you visit the Application & Permit Center or call (925) 674-7200

Before visiting or calling, make sure you have the specific Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), also referred to as the Property Tax Number, or address for the site.

Copies of official parcel maps can be obtained directly from the Assessor’s Office located at 2530 Arnold Drive, Suite 100 in Martinez; for their office hours and current fees call (925) 313-7400. Application & Permit Center staff at 30 Muir Road in Martinez can also provide copies of maps from the parcel books created by the Assessor’s Office (fees apply). Map

According to the code the following is exempt from needing permits: One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet. Unless specifically exempt, anything else will need permits. Any potentially unique situations should be referred to Building Inspection or Planning at (925) 674-7200 for a definitive answer.

The length of the permit process depends on the type of application, project, and situation. Generally, the County’s building plan check process takes two to four weeks. Many projects also have to go through local planning application or process as well. Applicants should visit the Application & Permit Center or call (925) 674-7200 to discuss their project in more detail.

Green building is a “Whole-Systems” approach for designing and constructing buildings that conserve energy, water, and material resources and are healthier, safer, and more comfortable. Questions regarding green building can be submitted on-line or call (888) 40-GREEN to “Ask an Expert”. Green Building Resources & Information.

Contact the Public Defender's office and request the Change of Plea Officer. He / she will guide you through the process. The following conditions apply for you to be eligible for a change of plea:1. All fines, fees and restitution must be paid before any reports are done.2. The fee due to the Probation department is $150 for completion of any report, to be paid prior to the completion of the report.3. You must not have any pending cases in any county or state.4. You must have completed probation without revocation and probation must have terminated either successfully or routinely. If your grant of probation was terminated as unsuccessful, you may not be granted relief.5. Cases which terminated in state prison sentences are not eligible.6. Not all charges are eligible or suitable for reduction to a misdemeanor.

If you were originally charged with a misdemeanor, contact the court that handled your case. If you were originally charged with a felony, the Probation Department will handle your request.

Multiple dockets may be researched at the same time, however; no reports will be submitted to court without all of the necessary paperwork completed, all fines, fees and restitution paid.

Please remember that all charges, convictions and sentences remain on your record, and will be noted to the court, should you be arrested in the future, regardless of the outcome of a 1203.4 PC (dismissal of conviction) or 17 PC (reduction of a felony to misdemeanor). The result of the courts decision will be added to your record.

Minors are allowed two 1-hour blocks of visitation time per week. Each 1-hour block must be completed on two separate visitation days, one weekday and one weekend day. Parents or guardians may visit minor during specific visiting hours and with the following restrictions.

Visiting hours

For minors with the last name begining with:A-I; Monday, 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM or 5:30 PM to 8 PMJ-R; Tuesday, 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM or 5:30 PM to 8 PMS-Z; Wednesday, 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM or 5:30 PM to 8 PMNo visiting on Thursdays or Fridays.A-Q; Saturday, 9:15 AM to 11:45 AM or 12:45 PM to 4:30 PMR-Z; Sunday, 9:15 AM to 11:45 AM or 2 PM to 4:30 PM

Guidelines:Only Parents or Guardians are allowed to visit. Proper identification, such as a valid California driver's license or identification, must be presented. All personal property must be left in vehicle. All visitors must pass through the metal detector, without alarm, prior to entering the facility. No food or drink allowed within the facility. Some minors are on Special Visit Status, requiring a visiting appointment. Special visits must be arranged in advanced by the parent or guardian by contacting 925-957-2725.

The Probation Department is an arm of the court and an integral part of the criminal justice system. Children and adults are placed on probation by the court after a finding that they have committed a crime.

In this scenario Probation would lack jurisdiction and be unable to provide direct services. However, Probation Officers routinely work with counselors, school officials and other professionals who do provide direct services to troubled families.

Please call and ask to speak to the officer of the day if you would like to be referred to a local resource agency. In East and Central County call: (925) 313-4000. In West County call: (510) 374-3041.

The behavior you have described may be a crime. Under California Penal Code Section 646.9 Stalking may be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than a year or in the state prison for up to three years.

You should contact your local police department immediately and file a report. You may wish to contact a women’s program such as the Battered Women’s Alternatives (888) 215-5555.

The Probation Department lacks jurisdiction unless your boyfriend is being supervised by a probation officer. However, if you would like further information please call the Probation Department in Martinez and ask to speak to the supervisor of the Domestic Violence Unit at (925) 313-4151.

Charges will not be reduced for anyone who has certain priors, and for most people who are registered sex offenders. Please contact our office if you have been convicted of one or more of the felonies listed above and we will advise you about whether you qualify for a reduction.

Yes, this law is completely retroactive. That means that you are eligible to have any qualifying prior felony convictions reduced to misdemeanors no matter how long ago you were convicted. This is true even if you were previously denied a reduction from a felony to a misdemeanor by the court during any pre-conviction court hearing, at sentencing, or after requesting an expungement.

The maximum jail time for most misdemeanors is one year in county jail. If you have already served more than the maximum term of confinement, you should be released. If you have not served the maximum term of confinement for the misdemeanor charge(s), the court may hold a hearing to determine if your sentence should be reduced. However, if you have other cases or charges that are holding you in custody, you will not be released even if you receive a reduction on one or more charges.

If you have no other charges keeping you in state prison, you may be released from prison. If your case is reduced to a misdemeanor, your maximum sentence is no more than a year in county jail per charge. You cannot be sentenced to prison on a misdemeanor, but you can be sentenced to county jail.

This will depend on the type of sentence you received before, and the decision will be made by the judge who resentences you. If you are resentenced, you should receive a Minute Order from the court before you are released. Please read it carefully to see if you have been ordered to report to probation or parole when you are released. Please comply with any terms and conditions ordered by the Court. If you think there has been a mistake or have any questions about any of the new terms and condition of your sentence after resentencing, please call the Office of the Public Defender at (925)335-8075 and ask to speak with Deputy Public Defender Ellen McDonnell or send an email to prop47@pd.cccounty.us.

Yes. Even if your case is reduced to a misdemeanor, any restitution orders will remain in full force and effect. However, your court fines and fees likely will be decreased if your case is reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. Please check your Minute Order when you are released to see how much you owe.

Probably. To vote in the state of California, you must be at least 18 years old and a state resident. You can even vote while you are still on probation. However, you cannot vote if you are in prison; on parole; currently serving a local state prison sentence in county jail; currently serving a “split” sentence (this is sometimes called “Mandatory Supervision”); or on Post Release Community Supervision.

For more information about where you can pick up an application to register to vote, or to register to vote online, go to: http://registertovote.ca.gov/

In general, it is better to have a misdemeanor than a felony on your record. However, this may depend on whether your misdemeanor record includes drug offenses. For more detailed information, please see:

http://www.abacollateralconsequences.org/search/?jurisdiction=10 or http://nacdl.org/restoration/

Yes. Students must be eligible for work-study funding. We have work-study contracts with UC Berkeley, Hastings, Golden Gate, and USF law schools. However, students from other law schools who are willing to volunteer, or who can obtain alternate sources of funding, are encouraged to apply also.

Law clerks are given a range of assignments. They do legal research and write motions and memoranda on issues ranging from the Fourth Amendment to juvenile delinquency law.

If a law clerk is interested in one aspect of our practice, we try to accommodate that in the types of assignments given to that clerk. Law clerks also do client intake interviews and, if they are interested, have the opportunity to watch our attorneys in court, argue their own motions (if certified), and do some investigation.

No. Law clerks receive research assignments from a variety of attorneys. Each law clerk is, however, assigned a mentor attorney who will supervise them, answer questions, offer feedback, and, if the law clerk is certified, supervise them in court.

Yes. There is an initial training session, familiarizing the law clerks with the types of research they will be doing and the most helpful research tools. Law clerks are also assigned a mentor attorney, who they can go to with questions as they arise.

You should either telephone our office or come into one of our offices to speak with an attorney before you speak to the police or anyone else. Consultation with an attorney is always the most prudent step. Most police officers or investigators will understand and must respect your desire to first speak with an attorney.

Any consultation with an attorney from the Office of Public Defender will be completely confidential. Telephone calls from any local jail are free and collect calls regarding matters pending in Contra Costa County will be accepted.

Attorneys from the Office of Public Defender represent adults charged with crimes (misdemeanor or felony) or violations of probation; and minors (persons under 18) charged in the juvenile court. Public defenders do not represent persons accused of traffic violations or any code infraction which cannot result in a jail sentence.

Finally, public defenders are also sometimes appointed for representation of persons potentially subject to LPS proceedings under the relating to involuntary civil mental health commitments.

Adults charged with a crime and parents of juveniles may have to pay fees ordered by the court at the conclusion of the case. The client or parent is referred to the Cost Recovery Department of the county by the judge who orders the amount to be paid.

The Cost Recovery Department makes a determination as to how much, if any, of the ordered amount the person can afford to pay. This determination is made on a sliding scale based upon the person's financial resources. A payment scheduled may be arranged with the Cost Recovery Department. The Office of the Public Defender is not involved in the determination of, or collection of fees.

At the first court appearance, you will be told by the judge what your charges are. At that time, the judge will ask you if you can afford to hire your own attorney. If you can’t afford an attorney, the judge will ask if you want to be referred to the Public Defender’s Office for representation. If you ask to be referred, there will be a legal assistant from our office in the courtroom who will meet with you to get some background information and to conduct a financial screening to see if you qualify for our services. If you do qualify, an attorney will represent you that day. If you are in custody, the attorney will be able to request that the judge reduce your bail or release you on your own recognizance. If your court date is in the Pittsburg courthouse for a felony offense, and you are not in custody, you may be asked to come back to court the following week and to come to our office for an interview before the next date.

No, but a private attorney may be able to help you. If you do not have a lawyer, you can call the Lawyer Referral Service which is operated by the Contra Costa County Bar Association. Their phone number is 925-825-5700. If you cannot afford a lawyer you may call the Bay Area Legal Aid at 800-551-5554 or Contra Costa Senior Legal Services at 510-374-3304.

To find out the schedule for your nieghborhood, to report problems with your schedule or missed service, please call the County Watershed Program's (CWP) Street Sweeping Manager at (925)313-2236.More...

Graffiti is a serious problem that creates visual blight and diminishes property values. Graffiti is a crime and should be reported to the Contra Costa County Sheriffs Department. Occasionally, the markings are gang related and promote violence in the area. The quick removal of the graffiti is one of the most effective deterrents of additional “tagging.” Additionally you may contact the following departments; for publicly owned property such as street signs, sidewalks and freeway underpasses marked with graffiti should be reported to the Public Works department at (925) 313-7000. Privately owned property such as the sides of buildings and fences should be reported to Code Enforcement (925) 674-7210 or Toll Free at (877) 646-8314.

If you witness illegal dumping as it occurs, make sure to dial 911 immediately and report all relevant details (date, time, location, vehicle description, detailed description of person dumping, etc.) so that the law enforcement can investigate.

If the debris is located on property within a city, contact that city.

If the debris is located on private property within the unincorporated area, contact the County Building Inspection Department-Code Enforcement at (925) 674-7210 or Toll Free at (877) 646-8314 or contact the County Health Services Department-Environmental Health Division at (925) 692-2500.

Garbage service is mandatory for all occupied residences located within the unincorporated areas (county code chapter 418-6), unless an exemption has been granted by the Health Officer. To make a report please call the County Health Services Department-Environmental Health Division at (925) 692-2500. To file a complaint online click on this link Environmental Health Complaint Form

If you are unable to resolve a service complaint with your garbage / recycling collection company, you can contact the County Community Development Department at (925) 674-7203 and you will be referred to the appropriate governmental agency in your area. Recycling Collection Services

Sites used for illegal dumping vary but may include abandoned industrial, residential, or commercial buildings; vacant lots on public or private property; and infrequently used alleys or roadways. Because of their accessibility and poor lighting, areas along rural roads and railways are particularly vulnerable. Illegal dumping can occur at any time of day but is more common at night or in the early morning hours during warmer months. If not addressed illegal dumps often attract more waste, potentially hazardous wastes such as asbestos, household chemicals and paints, automotive fluids, and commercial or industrial wastes.

Offenders can include: construction, demolition, remodeling, roofing, or landscaping contractors, general hauling contractors, operators of junkyards, automobile repair or tire shops, scrap collectors, local residents and "do-it-yourselfers". A resident may dump wastes that did not get picked up by local waste haulers, such as bulky items, carpeting, or household hazardous wastes. Dump sites serve as magnets for additional dumping and other criminal activities. In many cases, illegal dumpers are breaking other laws relating to vehicle licensing, insurance, drug possession or theft.

The costs to local government and industry associated with continuous clearing of illegally dumped wastes are significant. In recent years the County has spent up to one million dollars per year on cleanup, hauling, and disposal associated with illegal dumping. Without adequate revenue, the funding available to establish and maintain effective illegal dumping prevention programs is limited. These costs may be passed along to residents in the form of higher service fees or property taxes.

Illegal dumping is a serious problem in the County. Do not approach someone illegally dumping on public land or streets. Record the license plate number and vehicle information. When it is safe, contact local law enforcement and report it providing the license plate number and vehicle information (i.e., year, make, model, color, etc.). If the dumping occurs in the unincorporated county report it to the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department. If the dumping occurs within incorporated city limits report it to the local Police Department.

Dumping on private land should be reported to Code Enforcement at (925) 674-7210 or Toll Free at (877) 646-8314. To file a complaint online go to Code Enforcement Complaint form

The Department maintains online project information on capital improvement projects. If the project is not on the list, it may be part of a development project and/or is being done under an encroachment permit. Contact the Construction Division at (925) 313-2320.

The Flood Control District does not provide sand bags to private property owners. Often, in times of emergencies, the County may provide sandbags during significant storm events to residents in the unincorporated county. If you live in a City, contact your City Public Works Department for information and/or assistance in preparation for conditions requiring their use.

Grass clippings or other yard waste smothers natural vegetation and can add excessive nutrients to the creek. When the yard waste decays it introduces high nutrient levels, which reduces oxygen levels in the water, harming aquatic life in the creek. The material can also float downstream, lodge against trees, and become a major obstruction to stormwater flows. Current State regulations prohibit the discharge, dumping or release of potential pollutants into watercourses. This includes grass clippings and yard waste.

The District boundaries cover all of Contra Costa County. Within District right of ways, they District can dictate hydrology methods and freeboard standards. The County has adopted our standards and so in the unincorporated areas our standards are used. FEMA will require you to use the FCD flow rates in any FEMA sutdy. The District can generate the flow rates using the Hydro program.

Easements provide the Public Works Department and Flood Control District with land rights for construction, reconstruction, maintaining and accessing its drainage facilities and for other related purposes. Some access easements are not used regularly but must be kept clear for potential future use. An easement allows the property owner use of the property as long as it does not interfere with easement rights.

No permanent structures or encroachments will be permitted or constructed within or over any drainage easement. This includes, but is not limited to:

fill slopes

retaining walls

fencing

sheds

landscaping

Any such obstructions will be removed as necessary for maintenance and access purposes and will not be repaired or replaced (Title 0; 914-14.010).

The District is preparing to bring all its standards into one document. Until then, contact District office at (925) 313-2000 and ask for someone in Flood Control. We will be happy to explain, e-mail, or main you information about our standards.

The Flood Control District has over 2,000 data points where the flow rates have been calculated. Most of these are the “design” flow rates based on General Plan build out2. Depending on the watershed size, the flow rate could be for the 10-year, 25-year, 50-year or 100-year flood. For information on the flow rates that the Flood Control District has for these data points call theCounty Public Works Department, Flood Control Division at (925) 313-2000.

If the watershed is small, you can use the Rational Method to calculate the design flow rate. If the area is large or you need hydrographs for designing a detention basin, the Flood Control District can calculate the hydrographs for you. You need to request a HYDRO6 submittal package. There is a fee for the District to calculate the flows for you. Contact the Hydrology Section at the number below and they can e-mail the HYDRO6 instructions and submittal package to you. You may also purchase the submittal package at the front counter of the Public Works Department office.

Find your project location on the Mean Seasonal Isohyet Map that can be found at the Hydrology Standards link (below) and determine the mean seasonal rainfall for your site.

Then, use the 25-year Precipitation Duration-Frequency-Depth Curve found at the same link. Find 24-hours (1-day) on the x-axis, go up parallel to the y-axis on the graph to the mean seasonal rainfall for your site. Go horizontal parallel to the x-axis to the y-axis to read off the rainfall depth for the 25-year -24-hour storm.Hydrology Standards

The County maintains only those drainage facilities required as a condition of development constructed to standards applicable at the time of construction and located in an easement or other land right dedicated to the County.

The County can only remove trees from creeks that they maintain. Usually these are improved (concrete lined or earth trapezoidal) channels. Some creeks are maintained only for capacity, not erosion or other damage.

If the streetlight is the County's responsibility, Special District's staff will arrange for repair of the streetlight.If the streetlight is PG&E's responsibility, Special District's staff will submit a work request to PG&E.If the streetlight is the City's responsibility, the customer will be directed to contact the city's service center for repairs.

A stop sign is intended to determine the right of way at an intersection. It is a rather poor speed control device. Studies have shown that the effectiveness of a stop sign on speed ranges from 10 to 150 feet from the sign, after which a vehicle will regain its original speed or faster. If a speeding problem exists, the County can park a radar trailer on your street to inform drivers of their speed.

An AOB is a development traffic mitigation fee program designed to improve the capacity and safety of the County’s arterial road network within a defined boundary. Money collected within a specific AOB will be used to fund road improvement projects that mitigate the traffic impacts generated by new developments. This traffic mitigation fee applies to anyone who develops property and adds additional vehicle trips to the road network.

All of the land that drains to a common receiving body of water. In Contra Costa County we have 32 watersheds, several of these share boundaries with Alameda County. Watersheds are commonly named for the waterway or water body they flow to.

Both the Contra Costa Clean Water Program and the County Watershed Program (CWP) are tasked with ensuring compliance with the Municipal Stormwater National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. The NPDES permit is issued to the Clean Water Program, which is a collaboration between the County (represented by the County Watershed Program), the 19 incorporated cities and towns in the County, and the County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (“Co-Permittees”.) The Clean Water Program (http://www.cccleanwater.org) has its own staff that interacts with regulatory and elected officials, and provides guidance to the Co-Permittees. The Co-Permittees benefit from these collaborative efforts which the individual jurisdictions time and money. Ultimately, however, each jurisdiction is individually responsible for administering the NPDES permit within the bounds of its jurisdiction.Operationally, the County Watershed Program is a program within the Flood Control Division of the County’s Public Works Department. CWP is responsible for ensuring compliance with the NPDES permit in the unincorporated areas of the County.

If you live on a publically maintained street in unincorporated Contra Costa County with curb and gutter, your street is swept once per month. Go to the Municipal Maintenance page of CWP’s website to view the County’s street sweeping schedule and confirm that your street is included on our street list. If you have further questions call CWP at (925) 313-2236.

An illicit discharge is any non-stormwater discharge or discharge to the storm drain system that is not composed entirely of rain or precipitation run-off.

Call 911 or the Sheriff’s Dispatch (925)646-2441 to report an illegal discharge going on right now. Call (925)313-2236 to report an illicit discharge that has taken place in unincorporated County or call 1-800-NO-DUMPING to report an illicit discharge that occurred in other cities/towns in Contra Costa County.

Storm drain systems include the gutter, drainage inlets, catch basins, piping and the waterways they convey stormwater to in order to prevent flooding of our streets. Stormwater flows through these conveyances directly to receiving waterbodies such as the Delta and Bay without being treated.Storm drain systems are also often referred to as MS4s or Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems.Sanitary sewers transfer wastewater from our homes and businesses to wastewater treatment plants for primary, secondary or tertiary treatment prior to being discharged to receiving waterbodies via outfall pipes or reclaimed for irrigation purposes.

A point source, also termed ‘end of pipe’ discharge, is a discharge from a defined, discrete conveyance like an outfall coming off an industrial property. The US Clean Water Act was enacted to stop point source discharges like sewage and industrial chemicals to our waterways. Today, non-point source pollution is the primary contributor of pollutants to our waterways. It comes from a variety of diffuse sources like atmospheric deposition, automotive leaks, and brake pad dust, fertilizer and pesticide use, construction, agriculture, mining and fecal waste. Pollutants from these sources are picked up by urban run-off and deposited into our surface waters impairing their beneficial uses.Municipalities are required to educate residents and inspect business in stormwater pollution prevention practices.

A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is a document that describes how a project will prevent pollution during the construction process. This document details how erosion will be prevented and how sediment will be controlled, as well as how other construction-related pollutants, such as concrete dust and fluids from construction equipment, will be prevented. SWPPPs, which are required under the California Construction General Permit, must be submitted for projects disturbing at least 1 acre of soil, and for certain projects involving less earthwork but pose special threats to water quality. Smaller projects also are required to implement adequate erosion and sediment controls.A Stormwater Control Plan (SWCP) is a document that details permanent stormwater management facilities (such as bioretention areas) that will be incorporated into development projects to treat stormwater runoff and control runoff rates and volumes after the construction process is completed. SWCPs are required for projects that must implement permanent stormwater management facilities to comply with C.3 of the NPDES Permit.

C.3 refers to Provision C.3 of the County’s NPDES Permit, which was added to the Permit in 2003. This provision requires stormwater runoff from projects creating and/or redeveloping at least 10,000 square feet of impervious surface to treat stormwater runoff with permanent stormwater management facilities, and requires projects creating and/or redeveloping to design such facilities to control runoff rates and volumes (in addition to treatment).Projects that are not required to comply with C.3 still implement permanent stormwater controls to the maximum extent practicable.

BMPs are devices or control measures for managing stormwater run-off. They include structural drainage inlet protection like catch basin inserts, gravel bags and straw waddles as well as operational controls like training, good housekeeping, adequate spill response and proper material handling and storage.

NPDES stands for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. It’s a permitting program required under the U.S. Clean Water Act for discharges to surface waters of the U.S. In CA, USEPA has delegated its authority to implement the NPDES Program to CAL/EPA’s State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) who in turn manages the NPDES Program via five Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs).In Contra Costa County, two RWCQBs oversee our County’s discharges to the Bay and the Delta, the San Francisco Bay and Central Valley RWCQBs, respectively.

An NOI is a “Notice of Intent’ application to be included in one of CA’s General Stormwater Discharge Permits.If you are a commercial or industrial facility covered by certain NAIC code like chemical manufacturing or vehicle servicing, you may be required to file an NOI for inclusion in CA’s General Permit for Industrial Facilities.If you disturb soil of more than 1 acre you may be required to file an NOI for inclusion in CA’s General Construction permit. If you are a point source discharger like an industrial facility you may be required to apply for an individual NPDES permit.If you are a municipality that owns/maintains an MS4 you may be required to apply for a Municipal Stormwater Discharge NPDES permit.

There are a wide range of materials that are either recycled or reused in Contra Costa County. For specific information about items that can be recycled curbside or at local centers, visit our Waste Reduction & Recycling web pages which includes listing of options / vendors by material type. You can also call the County Recycling Hotline at (800)750-4096 to ask about options for recycling any material / product. Search & alphabetic list of materials/products.

For listing of materials that can be recycled in your local curbside collection program, please visit our Waste Reduction & Recycling web pages and click on the link for your community / city. Curbside Recycling by City or Community Name.

“Rental dwelling unit” means any building or portion of building in the unincorporated area of the county that contains living facilities, including provision for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation, which is rented or leased by a person.

Our records indicate your property is a non-owner occupied unit and therefore received rental status. If this is an owner occupied property, please complete the back side of the RENTAL INSPECTION NOTICE & ANNUAL PROGRAM FEES letter you received. Please indicate your reason for exemption from the program and submit with one form of documentation as listed on the back side of the letter. The owner’s name and the property address must be on the documentation.

The Inspector will perform inspections throughout the year while performing duties throughout the County and will perform these visual inspections as part of their workday at any time during the year. There is no set date or time for the inspection.

No. For efficiency reasons, the inspector will make a visual inspection of your property during the course of a normal work day when they are in the vicinity of your property. The occupants will not be disturbed and the inspector will not enter the property.

You will receive a letter indicating the failing status and be required to enter the “Interior Inspection” phase of this program. This will cost $250 for the first unit plus $100 for each additional unit on the property. Once the County receives the fees, an inspection date will be scheduled and sent to you. A sample checklist will be included so you may correct problems prior to the Interior Inspection. Interior Inspection Information

• Receive an email when your bills are ready to view.• Download and print your billing information at your convenience.• Use our secure website. View the same billing information that you would receive in the mail. • Receive the tax bill sooner and avoid mail delays.• Help the environment by saving paper and reducing waste. • Link directly to online payment options.

When you enroll in e-Billing, the County will send you a paper Secured Tax bill in the mail one last time during the following regular September mailing. Your paper bill will have a special message stating you signed up for e-Billing. In the years following you will receive an e-mail when your Secured Tax bills are available to view online. You can then log on to www.cctax.us to view your bill

You will receive an e-mail confirmation regarding your new e-billing account and the parcel number(s) you wish to have included in your e-notifications. You will need to respond to this e-mail confirmation within 72 hours to activate your new account. Otherwise, your account will automatically be cancelled. Once you have confirmed and activated your account, you will receive an e-notification in September each year when the new Secured Tax bill is available to view online, plus an e-mail reminder approximately two weeks before each delinquent date to check the payment status on your tax bill online.

The online account service will retain five years of e-Bills in its records. To keep a longer history, you must print the e-Bill for your own personal records or save a PDF copy to your hard drive. In addition, the online account service will retain payment schedules, transaction history, and other information.

Click the Forgotten Password link on the log-in page, then enter the e-mail address listed on the account and answer the security questions correctly. You will receive an e-mail notice with the forgotten password.

Yes, you may discontinue receiving e-Bills at any time. To discontinue receiving an e-Bill, follow these directions:

• Log-in to your account online at www.cctax.us .• Remove the Parcel Number(s) from the APN Listing Page.• Click Update and then Submit, and you will no longer receive an e-Bill for the removed APN(s). In September of the following tax year you will resume receiving your tax bill in paper form.

No. Going paperless is simply a choice you now have. Signing up for online services allows you to pay your bill online, with the option of receiving a paper bill if you wish. You can access your tax account information any time by going to Account Lookup.

There are several reasons why this could happen. Make sure that you are not blocking e-mail from the County and that your inbox is not full. Also verify that the e-mail address on your account is correct. Finally, if there has been a name change in ownership since the parcel number was added to the APN Listing Page of your e-billing account, this parcel number will automatically be removed and will need to be re-added if you want to continue including it in your e-notification. Remember, you can always review your e-Bill at www.cctax.us.

Someone may have added your parcel number on to their e-billing account by mistake. If you feel this was done in error, please email your request to taxinfo@tax.cccounty.us to have the parcel number removed from the e-billing account.

A new property owner's regular secured tax bill is sent to the previous owner because the Tax Collector's Office is unaware the property has been sold. Regardless of the reason, if you do not receive a secured property tax bill by November 10th, contact this office at (925)957-5280 and our automated answering system will help you with your request.

State law requires the immediate reassessment of property (for tax purposes) whenever a change of ownership or completion of construction occurs. If applicable, you will receive a supplemental tax bill reflecting the change in value for the balance of the tax year. Due dates for a supplemental tax bill depends on when the bill is mailed. A decrease in value will result in a negative supplemental tax bill being issued. These negative bills or refunds do not cause a change to your current annual tax bill which must be paid timely to avoid penalty.

Supplemental tax bills do not replace the regular tax bill. Supplemental tax bills are not mailed to your mortgage company. They are not paid by funds in your impound account. If you receive a supplemental tax bill and have any questions about payment responsibility, please contact your mortgage company.+

You may discuss the value with the Assessor if you feel a change is in order and request a review of your current assessed value versus the current market value (based on comparable sales). This process is commonly referred to as a Proposition 8 review.

A special assessment is a charge on a tax bill for a service or benefit provided directly to a property. Examples of these types of assessments are garbage collection, sewer, lights and landscaping maintenance, mosquito abatement, fire protection, water, sanitation and other such services. A special district is formed in order to provide property specific services or benefits. These districts are permitted to charge an assessment for the services rendered under the applicable state law that allowed their creation. In accordance with state law, each fiscal year the special district provides the county Auditor with a listing of the parcels and the amounts to be charged to each parcel on the property tax roll. The district also provides the Auditor with a resolution authorizing the placement of the charge on specific parcels. Provided the legal requirements are met by special district, the county Auditor must place the special assessment charge on a property tax bill.

NO. Our office does NOT accept partial payments for current tax bills. Please be aware that a 10% penalty will be assessed on the unpaid balance on the first installment. The penalty will also attach to the unpaid portion of the second installment plus a $20 cost.

If the installment plan defaults, a new plan may not be started until July 1 of the following fiscal year. Additional penalties at an annual rate of 18% will continue to be computed on the unpaid balance each time a plan is restarted.

Please be aware that an Installment Plan of Redemption cannot be started after the property becomes Subject To Power To Sell. This occurs when the property has been delinquent for more than five years.

Example: If you have delinquent taxes from the 1997-98 tax year, as of July 1, 2003, you CANNOT participate in the installment plan. You must pay in full the amount of outstanding taxes to keep the property from being sold at the Public Auction that is scheduled for early 2004.

We accept requests by mail, walk-in, fax, and e-mail.Records staff will contact you by telephone, e-mail, fax or United States mail to advise you of the fees for this service. Requests will not be mailed unless all fees have been paid in advance. Your request for information is normally processed and mailed within 10 business days.

Contra Costa County law enforcement agencies cannot directly release information pertaining to a juvenile involved in a crime. The Judge of the Juvenile Court will review your request and the crime report. Once the Judge’s decision is made, records staff will mail the crime report or the decision not to release as prescribed by the judge. Requests will not be processed unless fees have been paid in advance.

At the end of each court day, Monday through Friday, at 5:00 p.m. all restraining order documents executed that business day in Contra Costa County are delivered to the Records Unit and records staff make the required entries into the Domestic Violence Restraining Order System of the State.

The Records Unit will accept your request for out-of-custody arrest information by mail, walk-in, or e-mail request. Only the subject of the arrest record may obtain a copy of their arrest unless they authorize someone else to obtain the copy. The request must be in writing from the arrested person and his/her signature verified, attach a photocopy of CDL, ID card, etc. The authorized person must also provide picture identification at the time of request / release. This does not pertain to the crime report. Contact our office to learn how and when these documents can be obtained.

The supplemental bill is for taxes on the increase in assessed value, prorated from the date of change in ownership or date of completion of construction to the end of the Fiscal Year. It is in addition to the original secured tax bill for your property. It does not replace the original bill. This bill is sent directly to the homeowner and NOT to the mortgage company.

Yes. You may take the matter up with the Assessor to see if that office will change the valuation. Additionally, the Board of Supervisors has established an Assessment Appeals Board for the purpose of resolving valuation problems in connection with supplemental tax bills.

Applications for appeal must be filed within sixty days of the mailing date shown on the assessment notice. If you choose to appeal your assessment, you should still pay your tax installments in full by the appropriate deadlines; otherwise, you may incur penalties while the case is in appeals. If your appeal is granted, a refund will be issued to you.

Further information about the appeals process can be obtained by calling (925) 335-1901 or writing to:

Yes. The supplemental tax bill is sent in addition to the annual tax bill and both must be paid as specified on the bill. For information on the annual tax bill, see our section on Secured Property Taxes.

No. Unlike the annual tax bill, lending agencies do not receive a copy of the supplemental tax bill. When you receive a supplemental tax bill, you must contact your lender to determine who will pay the bill. Generally, your impound account will only cover your annual tax bill and not your supplemental bill.

The supplemental tax bill provides the following information:-The owner (or new owners as of the date of ownership change), the location of the property and last available mailing address.-The event date, the billing date and the Fiscal Year for which the taxes are assessed.-The Value Calculation, as determined by the County Assessor, showing a comparison of the revised value of the property as a result of your event to the value on the Secured Tax Roll. The difference between the two values is the basis of this supplemental tax billing.-The Tax Calculation box that includes a list of items for payment of voter approved indebtedness of the jurisdiction listed.-The net total amount of supplemental taxes due, to be paid in two separate installments along with the attached mail stubs. These stubs show the due date for each installment.The bill may be paid in two installments and provides payment stubs for each installment, which show the amount due and the date that the amount must be paid to avoid penalties for late payment.

If you purchase and then sell property within a short period of time, the supplemental tax bill you receive should cover only those months during which you owned the property, and the new owner should receive a separate supplemental tax bill.

Because of the large number of parcels and frequency of property changing hands in Contra Costa County, there are often delays in placing new assessments on the roll. Be sure to check the dates used to prorate the bill to ensure that the period covered is the period during which you actually owned the property. If you receive an incorrect tax bill, contact the Auditor – Controller’s Office at (925) 646-2236.

Yes. It is possible to receive several supplemental tax bills, depending on when the ownership change or completion of new construction occurred and when the Assessor recorded the new value on the tax roll. Because property is assessed each January 1 for the upcoming Fiscal Year, you will receive one supplemental bill if the change in property value due to ownership change or new construction is recorded on the tax roll between June 1 and December 31; you will receive two supplemental bills if the change in property value is recorded on the tax roll between January 1 and May 31.

The date on which supplemental bills become delinquent varies depending upon when they are mailed by the Tax Collector. If the bill is mailed between July 1 and October 30, the taxes become delinquent at 5 pm on December 10 for the first installment and 5 pm on April 10 for the second installment (the same delinquency schedule as for annual tax bills mailed in November).

If the bill is mailed between November 1 and June 30, the delinquency dates -- which are printed on the bill -- are determined as follows: The first installment is delinquent at 5 pm on the last day of the month following the month the bill was mailed; the second installment is delinquent at 5 pm on the last day of the fourth month after the first installment delinquency date.

Penalties of 10% are added to any installment that is not paid on time, and an additional $15 charge is added to a late second installment.

The same rules apply as for unpaid annual tax bills. If your supplemental tax bill is not paid by June 30, after the second installment becomes delinquent, the property becomes tax defaulted (even if you have paid your annual tax bill). At the end of the fifth year of delinquency the property becomes subject to the power of sale as described in our section on delinquent property taxes.

Yes. Delinquent supplemental taxes can be paid on an installment plan in the same manner as your annual property taxes once the taxes become delinquent. More information can be found in our section on delinquent property taxes.

You may very well be eligible for a homeowner's exemption on your supplemental tax bill. Exemptions, however, are not granted automatically. You must apply to the Assessor before 30 days following the date of the notice from the Assessor of your supplemental assessment. As long as the home you purchased did not receive the homeowner's exemption on the current year's assessment, and as long as you occupy the home as your principal residence within 90 days of the purchase date, you would be allowed the full amount ($7,000) on the supplemental assessment. If your newly purchased home did receive the full homeowner's exemption, however, you would not be able to receive the exemption on your supplemental assessment.

Example:On May 29, 2003 you purchase a home on which no homeowner's exemption had been allowed. Because you are reassessed on the first day of the month following an ownership change, in the current Fiscal Year you will pay supplemental taxes for the one remaining month. Your 2002-03 supplemental assessment amounts to $20,000. If you file for and qualify for a homeowner's exemption, the entire $7,000 exemption amount would be deducted from the supplemental assessment BEFORE the taxes are calculated.

Yes. Supplemental taxes are eligible for the same property tax exemptions and assistance programs as your annual taxes. In addition to the homeowner's exemption, you can apply through the Assessor's Office for a number of other assessment exemptions (e.g., veteran's, church, and welfare) that result in savings. You must, however, file for all exemptions before 30 days following the date of the notice from the Assessor of your supplemental assessment. For further information, contact the Assessor's Office at (925) 313-7481.

It is an ad-valorem (value based) property tax that is the liability of the person or entity assessed for the tax. Because the tax is not secured by real property (such as land) the tax is called "unsecured."

All property that is not real property is considered personal property and therefore is issued an Unsecured tax bill. There are several types including business fixtures, business personal property, boats, and aircraft. Supplemental escape and pro-rated escape taxes on real property that has changed ownership prior to issuance of the tax bill.

The tax bill will be issued to the owner as of the lien date January 1. Disposal, removal, or sale of the assets after the lien date will not affect the tax bill. No prorations are made by the tax collector on unsecured property taxes. Any pro-ration is strictly a private matter between buyer and seller. The owner of record as of January 1 is responsible for payment and will be lien if bill is not paid.

You should also contact the Assessor’s Office to make sure the ownership of record has been updated. Failure to do so could result in future billings and liens.

If the assessee name is incorrect, contact the Assessor. If the property being assessed is incorrect, contact the Assessor.If the value of the property is incorrect, contact the Assessor For delinquency date or payment information, contact the Tax Collector.

A penalty of 10% will be charged on the date of the delinquency. Additional penalties at the rate of 1.5 % per month will be charged starting the 1st day of the second month after the delinquency date until the tax is paid in full. Upon delinquency the following collection methods may be used to collect the tax:-Liens-Summary Judgments-Legal Actions-Seizure and sale of personal property

After full payment of defaulted taxes against which a certificate of lien has been recorded, an Unrecorded Release of Lien notice will be mailed to the owner. It is the owner’s responsibility to have the Release of Lien recorded at each Recorder’s Office at which the lien was filed and pay all related fees. Instructions will be included with the Release of Lien.

Yes you can!You can go to the VA Martinez Outpatient Clinic (150 Muir Rd.) to receive care for your service connected conditions. You'll need to enroll for care if you haven't already done so. You'll need your DD-214 and a copy of your VA rating letter. If you want to have your conditions reevaluated, you'll need to file a new claim with new evidence showing that your service connected conditions have become worse. This is something that we do all the time. You can file a new claim through our office. Gather up any treatment documentation you can get your hands on and and we'll get a claim started.

We Do all of the following:We assist veterans and their dependents in filing for VA benefits that would be appropriate. These include, but may not be limited to, Service-connected Disability Compensation; Non-Service-connected Disability Pension; Educational Benefits for the Veteran as well as Family Members if they meet eligibility; Burial Benefits for the Veteran; Survivors DIC if the military member died in the service or of Service Connected Disabilities; and Death Pension, provided veteran served during wartime; provide benefits verifications and information which can be used for establishing social services assistance; obtain Military Discharge papers.

Yes you can!VA Mare Island clinic provides necessary dental care for veterans who were not provided dental examination and treatment within 180 days of discharge and apply within 180 days of separation from the service. The time limit does not apply to veterans with dental disabilities resulting from combat wounds or service injuries. If a Veteran is 100% service connected, the Veteran can receive dental care from the VA.

If you are enrolled in the VA for healthcare, you may be eligible to apply for dental coverage through the VA Dental Insurance Program. This is a 3 year pilot project offering dental coverage plans through Delta Dental and Metlife. To apply, visit VA benefits webpage

Yes you can!The VA has linked several diseases to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. Some examples are Diabetes Type 2, Ischemic Heart Disease, and Prostate Cancer, but please see our Agent Orange fact sheet for a complete list. Currently, if you served in country in Vietnam between 9 January 1962 and 5 May 1975, whether you knew it or not, you were exposed to Agent Orange. Currently, there are three sites that have been recognized by VA for Agent Orange exposure (1) Vietnam, (2) Korea along the DMZ, (3) and Guam at Anderson Air Base. If you think you qualify contact this office.

Yes there is, there are two programs!The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) assists low income children of veterans who are presently rated 0% or higher for a Service Connected Disability, or children of military personnel killed while on Active Duty, or who have died of service connected disabilities. The Tuition Fee Waiver Program may waive all of the tuition at a public university (including community colleges) in California. An application (DVS-40) is available by contacting this office.

The other program is called Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) under Chapter 35. This is a monthly monetary benefit available to dependent children of a Veteran who has a Service Connected Disability rated at 100%. There are age restrictions. Please contact our office, if you believe that you are eligible.

If your death is attributable to a Service-connected cause, your surviving spouse may apply for Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC), which is a monthly payment compensating your spouse for your loss. Another potential benefit, the Non-service Connected Disability Pension, is payable if you served during one of the Wartime Periods (such as WWII, Korea, etc.) and your surviving spouse’s monthly income falls below a certain amount established by the VA. A burial benefit may be paid to a surviving spouse if at the time of your death you are in receipt of a Service-connected Disability Compensation Award; or if as the veteran, you were receiving a Non-service-connected Disability Pension, or your death occurs while you are in a VA Medical Facility.

Once enrolled, you can start making payments as soon as you have a bill due. If you have a new account, you will not be able to enroll or make electronic payments until you receive your first paper bill.

When you enroll in VBS, the County will send you a paper Secured Tax bill in the mail one last time during the following regular September mailing. Your paper bill will have a special message stating you signed up for VBS. In the years following you will receive an e-mail when your Secured Tax bills are available to view online. You can then log on to www.cctax.us to view your bill.

VBS uses several methods to ensure that your information is secure:*User ID and Password: Your User ID and password are unique identifiers that only you know. As long as you don't share your user name and password with anyone, no one can view your bills or personal information. *SSL: VBS uses SSL (secure socket layers) which ensures that your connection and information are secure from outside inspection. *Encryption: VBS uses 128 bit encryption to make your information unreadable as it passes over the Internet. *Automatic Sign Out: VBS automatically signs you out of a session if you are inactive for 20 minutes.

Computer security experts advise that you may put your information at risk when you use a public computer for personal business. While KUBRA Data Transfer Ltd. uses numerous security measures to protect your personal information on our website, the use of public computers may compromise the security of your information. Public computers include those in schools, libraries, Internet Cafe's, etc.

For maximum security you may want to avoid using public computers when enrolling or modifying your personal or banking information.

Once enrolled for VBS, simply sign in and you will see a summary of your current eBills. You can then click 'view/pay' to view a detailed view of your bill, or you can simply click 'pay'. Select the amount you want to pay and the date you want to pay your bill, and you're done!

* To initiate the online payment process, you must select a payment date on the 'Schedule Payment' page. This is the date your payment process will begin. * For your convenience, VBS will alert you to the next available day you may make a payment. 'Same Day' payments can only be made online at www.cctax.us. * VBS will debit your account on the business day following the payment date (See the chart below for a complete schedule). * Your payment may be withdrawn from your bank account on or after your payment date. * Payments scheduled on a holiday will be withdrawn from your bank account on the business day after to the holiday. * Payments initiated after the due date shown on your bill will include applicable penalty and fee. Please initiate payments with sufficient time before your payment due date.

For payments made from credit cards

* To initiate the online payment process using your MasterCard or Visa, you must 'Add Credit Card' on the 'View Payment Accounts' page.* A credit card payment may only be made for your In Full balance.* A credit card payment is a 'real-time' transaction, meaning that the payment process will begin immediately after you enter your card number and click 'submit'.* A credit card payment must be made on or before the due date shown on your bill and your 'Schedule Payment' page.

* Payments initiated after the due date shown on your bill will include applicable penalty and fee. Please initiate payments with sufficient time before your payment due date.

*If you try to schedule a payment after 1pm Eastern Time or on a non-business day, VBS will alert you to schedule your payment for the next available business day.

Timing of Credit Card PaymentsIf you make your Credit Card payment before 8pm ET on ... VBS will debit your account on ... Monday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Friday The following Monday Saturday The following Tuesday Sunday The following Tuesday

Holidays (Based on the Federal Reserve calendar) New Year's Day Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. Washington's Birthday Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day Day After ThanksgivingChristmas Day

After paying a bill, you will receive confirmation that the payment has been scheduled.

Before the scheduled payment date, your history page will show the payment as 'scheduled'. When the scheduled payment is submitted to the payment processor your history page will show the payment as 'pending'. After the response is received, your history page will show the payment as 'approved' or 'rejected'.

User ID: You should choose a User ID that is easy for you to remember. If you forget your User ID please call 925-957-5280.

Password: If you forget your password, go to the Log-On page and click 'Forgot your User Name/Password'. Enter your User ID and your password will be emailed to the email address you provided during enrollment.

You can access VBS from any web based computer with an Internet connection and a web browser that supports 128 bit encryption. For more information or to upgrade your software, click on the link below for your browser type: Browser Compatibility

The Weatherization Program offers home improvements that will hopefully reduce your monthly energy costs which includes anything from caulking, weather-stripping doors, repair or replacement of gas water heaters, stoves and/or refrigerators. Link to Weatherization Program

Call (925) 674-7214 to get an application. In order for us to serve you better, please speak slowly and clearly, spelling your name and street name when requesting an application. You can also stop by our office to pick up an application at 30 Muir Road, Martinez, CA 94553.

Documentation must be current (within the last 6 weeks). Please only send copies.

• A current PG&E bill showing your name, address and days of usage. We do not accept 15 day or 48 hour notices. • Proof of gross income for the one full month and current to within six weeks• Proof of Citizenship - One of the following documents: birth certificate, statement from Social Security regarding place of birth, passport, or discharge papers from military service.

All landlords/property managers must sign an agreement stating that they will not raise your rent based on these improvements before the work can begin. If you have more questions or concerns, call us at (925) 674-7214.

Weatherization does not assist with payments to PG&E. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) program does. For assistance, please contact the HEAP office by calling their toll free number: (877) 427-8631. PG & E